People have been wearing masks to protect themselves from the novel coronavirus for the past two years, but the emergence of a new variant with rapid transmission capabilities has reopened the discussion about whether commonly used masks provide sufficient protection against "Omicron." Emergency medicine researcher at George Washington University, Lena Wen, warns that the cloth masks many wear are merely face decorations "and thus have no place in reality against the Omicron variant."
Researchers are still studying the characteristics of the new variant first identified in South Africa, but so far it has been shown to spread faster compared to previous strains. Initial indicators from South Africa suggest that the Omicron variant is less likely to cause hospitalizations in COVID-19 patients compared to "Delta," but the massive increase in cases will inevitably lead to a rise in those needing healthcare due to complications from COVID-19.
The American academic states that in relation to "Omicron," wearing a mask with at least three layers is necessary, and she recommends the blue surgical mask, which is the most common and widely used. According to CNN, for those who prefer wearing a cloth mask for its appearance, it is better to wear it over layers of a surgical mask.
When in crowded places currently, the scientifically recommended type of mask, according to the researcher, is the "KN95" or "N95," which are known for their white color and are often worn by doctors as they provide high protection. The health expert explains that these masks offer better protection due to their polypropylene fibers, which act as a barrier against small particles and prevent them from reaching the nose.
However, the effectiveness of the mask is also linked to how it is worn; it should be done correctly, while many people lower the blue surgical mask below their nose, rendering it completely ineffective. Many countries around the world mandate mask-wearing, especially in enclosed spaces, and violators of this precaution face penalties that vary from region to region.
Nonetheless, some conspiracy theorists express skepticism about the effectiveness of masks and question the existence of the pandemic in general, or accuse the media of exaggeration and sensationalism.
